Bull Temple
Location
: Bangalore, Karnataka
Built By
: Kempe Gowda
Built In
:
16th Century
The Bull Temple situated in Bangalore , houses the 4.57 m high and 6.10 m long image of Nandi, Lord Shiva's bull. The temple was built by Kempe Gowda in the 16th century. The image has been carved out of single granite rock.
The original colour of Nandi bull was grey which has now turned black due to the application of coconut oil by the devotees. The statue of the bull has been carved out of a The single rock statue attracts devotees from far and near. Non Hindus are not allowed in the temple.
The temple is busy always with some ceremony that is on all the time at the temple premises. On weekends, musicians present their concerts at the temple.
Place Chart
The Bull temple at Basavanagudi is in Bangalore at the top of a hill. One can take a taxi to the temple or brave a good work up the hill.
Climate
The climate of Bangalore is even and pleasant throughout the year. For the foreigners coming from cold climes the months of December and January are good, with a maximum temperature nearly 28 0 Centigrate.
Clothing
During the summer months (May, June). The maximum temperature is nearly 32 0 - 34 0 centigrade and cool cottons are recommended. During the winter months of December and January the maximum temperature is between 25 0 - 28 0 centigrade therefore light woolens for the night can be used.
Language
Kannada is the principal language spoken here. In addition people are well versed in English and a little bit of Hindi also. Bangalore is a cosmopolitan city.
Main
Features of the Temple
In the shrine atop the hill a massive garlanded black and shiny Nandi (Shiva's mount, the bull) is ensconsed, which dates back to 1786. It is 5mt in height and over 6 mt in length. The size of the Nandi is overwhelming. At the back is a small Lingam shrine. Its modern Gopuram rises, gracefully and majestically. The underground "Sri-Gavi Gandadhareshwara Temple" is equally fascinating, where on every January 14th (Makara Sankranti) they say, a ray of light passes between the horn of a Nandi outside the temple and lights the idol kept inside. Three levels of excavations have been carried out in the cave. One can see the black stone Hanuman, here. On the way to the Bull Temple one comes across a temple dedicated to the Elephant God Ganesha. The Bull temple is a buzz with great activity during the Shivratri festival.
Local festival Kadalekaye Parishe (Ground nut fair) at the Bull Temple includes a groundnut eating festival. The farmers offer their first harvest collection to Nandi
(November-December).
Timings: Entry to the temple is free and the daily timings are
from 6a.m. to 8 p.m.
